Jörgen Eriksson Christer Asplund

The Nordic-Baltic edge : trust, collaboration, innovation, growth Jörgen Eriksson Christer Asplund

What gives a region a lasting competitive edge?

Drawing on more than four decades of experience in regional development, leadership and innovation, The Nordic-Baltic Edge explores how cities and regions can prosper in a world shaped by digitalisation, the green transition and geopolitical uncertainty.

Through insights gathered from hundreds of places and projects across Europe and beyond, the authors show how the Nordic–Baltic model combines trust, transparent governance and long-term collaboration with creativity and innovation. The result is a powerful approach to place management – one in which competitiveness can coexist with equality, sustainability and a strong sense of community.

Connecting economic theory with practical experience, the book examines the evolution from industrial restructuring and public–private partnerships to innovation ecosystems and Quad Helix collaboration between government, business, academia and civil society. It also considers why deeper Nordic–Baltic integration is becoming increasingly important as global markets fragment and trusted regional networks gain strategic significance.

Written for mayors, policymakers, business and industrial leaders, innovators, researchers, cluster managers and others shaping the future of places, The Nordic-Baltic Edge offers practical frameworks, illuminating cases and a forward-looking perspective. An essential guide to building local and regional advantage through trust, shared purpose and the capacity to turn uncertainty into opportunity.